Pope Authorizes reading the Qu’ran at the Vatican

Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture – [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.

Or maybe Pope Francis will approve of this Qu’ranic jewel:

Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture (i.e. Christians and Jews) and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures. (emphasis added) Surah 98:6

I don’t know, maybe the Vatican is seeking support for its traditional suppression of women. Perhaps the Imam might share this with His Holiness:

Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance – [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand. (emphasis added) Surah 4:34

It’s always interesting to see the contest between the two “One True Church” – es.

Umm…as a catholic, this falls under the category “respect the office, not the man”. Many Catholics are up in arms about it already. Plenty of Popes have done plenty of erroneous things through the ages (popes must confess too you know). This doesn’t mean the teaching office of Pope is at risk (ex cathedra office). But it might not be Francis’ best idea. I think ostensibly, maybe…he was trying to demonstrate that idea that ‘all truth is God’s truth’ and that if there is even a kernel of truth in portions of the Koran, it would still be YHWH’s truth (not Allah’s). And that we should seek the TRUTH in all things and circumstances. Let’s hope that’s where he was going with this at least…

(Before fundies go nuts, I am not saying ALL portions of Koran contain truth; obviously not the case. Just that there may be a shred or a sliver here or there.)

I also think it may be a way (plausibly) to promote peace between factions. Please note that these ‘other faith’ people are having to hear Catholic/Christian prayers in their midst as well and even on Christian ‘turf’. It is possible that God could use it to change people’s hearts. Also to think about is that simply because one ‘hears’ or reads another religions prayers/beliefs, DOES NOT MEAN THAT ONE AGREES WITH THEM. I have a book of Mormon in my house. I have read it. That does not mean that I agree with it. I use it to hone my Christian apologetics skills and to be prepared to ‘give a reason for the hope that is within me’. To be better informed with the Mormons show up at my door, so that I can witness to and counter-proselytize them is the goal! Peace!

The problem with false religion is that there is very little true theology in all religions. But we should pray to the right (“radio”) station in the universe. Before I came to the Lord, the relatively famous Reverend Erlo Stegen of Kwasiza Bantu in South Africa (where people were raised from the dead) came to my offices in the city centre of Durban. I thought my “lofty” philosophy and metaphysics and “clout” as a man of letters were sufficient. He said to me, “My [native] people say, “One is either on the station or you are not.” I realized that my entire universe of thinking could be on the wrong wavelengths. I believe that other religions are only mirages – praying to the wrong station in the universe. I started turning towards God. One can only serve one God, YHWH. As in business, one’s focus has to be on a pinhead. The pope will be well advised not to fall into such error again and to reverse his decision.

Published by Paul Bassett

I'm old enough to remember land-line phones and young enough to have 3 twitter accounts and two blogs. I'm Reformed in my theology, post-millennial in eschatology and therefore optimistic about the future. I'm grateful to be here...and that you are, too!
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